Apen eten oesters in een herberg 1720 - 1767

This engraving by Leonard Schenk depicts monkeys feasting on oysters in a tavern. Monkeys, in the visual lexicon of the 17th and 18th centuries, often symbolize folly and the base instincts of humanity. The image is rife with symbolism of inverted order, the world turned upside down. Monkeys, creatures closely related to humans, are depicted performing human actions, like eating oysters, a delicacy, and roasting meat on a spit. This motif echoes through time. We find it in medieval marginalia where monkeys mimic human behavior, a satire on societal norms. Consider how such imagery taps into our subconscious fears and anxieties. The fear of losing control. This image, while seemingly lighthearted, evokes a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The cyclical progression of this symbol resurfaces, evolving and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.